The
Merriam-Webster English dictionary defines “automation” as the “automatically
controlled operation of an apparatus, process, or system by mechanical or
electronic devices that take the place of human labour”. That apt description perfectly voices what is
so wonderful about automation: the fact that there is one less thing for us as
humans to worry about; one less hoop to jump through, for an automated system
has already taken care of it.
Just think of
that most famous of automated systems, the motor vehicle (or auto mobile in its more archaic form); the
mechanised beast that safely transports us daily from one location to the next,
its metallic skeleton working tirelessly and without protest to ensure that we
reach our destination. But it must be
remembered that – singularly wonderful as it is - a car is still a mechanical
system travelling at generally high speeds, and as such there is always the
inherent risk of injury or mishap.
The same applies
to automated gates.
The vast
majority of us will attest to the fact that the invention of gate motors –
particularly ultra-fast ones like the CENTURION D10 Turbo – has made life that
much more convenient. But, as with motor
cars, there are certain precautions that need to be taken in order to ensure
that the automatic system fulfils its purpose as safely as possible.
Infrared gate
safety beams can be compared to safety belts or airbags as used in cars;
providing a degree of protection to users should they find themselves in the
path of a moving gate. The beams work by
casting an infrared beam (as the name implies) between an electronic
transmitter and receiver which, when interrupted, changes the state of an
internal relay which in turn halts the operation of the connected device. When connected to a gate motor, breaking the
beam will result in the gate either immediately stopping, or stopping and
reversing direction depending on whether opening beams, closing beams or (most
favourably) both have been connected.
Beams have been
proven to be highly effective in reducing the risks associated with a moving
gate such as crushing, dragging and shearing and are remarkably cost-effective
and easy to install. It is therefore
important that when quoting on the installation and commissioning of an
automated system, infrared beams are specified as a standard. Should the user decline the fitment of
additional safety equipment, the risks must be thoroughly explained and it is
highly recommended that the installer gets the client to sign proof that he/she
has declined them. It is also worth
noting that in certain legislations it is a mandate of law to fit safety beams
as a minimum safety requirement. This
serves as a means for the installer of indemnifying himself in the event that
injury or damage does occur subsequent to the installation.
A fully
comprehensive site handover should comprise the following:
·
Inspecting and testing the safety of the system
·
Explaining the operation of the system to the
end-user
·
Demonstrating to the end-user how to test the
safety of the system
·
Testing and explaining the manual override
facility
·
Handing over all documentation (especially
everything that covers safety)
There might be
those users who choose to decline safety beams on the basis that they are
trying to cut costs (although, as mentioned earlier, beams are extremely
affordable and when incorporated into the total cost of the installation will
most probably not be noticeable), and they must perhaps be reminded of the old
French proverb: Bon marché tire agent de bourse – “What is
cheap is most costly”.
